Sequim votes to prohibit discharge of fireworks

December 2, 2016Updated: December 2, 2016 2:17am

SEQUIM, Wash. (AP) — Officials in the Clallam County city of Sequim have approved a ban on fireworks.

The Peninsula Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/2fRZVdE ) that the ban on the discharge of fireworks will take effect July 2018. The ordinance approved Monday comes after a majority of residents voted in favor of the ban in the Nov. 8 general election.

Under the measure, public fireworks displays and fireworks sales will still be allowed.

While the ban doesn't take effect until 2018, City Attorney Kristina Nelson-Gross says staff will be working until then to educate the public about the new law.

Violators face a fine up of to $5,000 or up to a year of jail time.

Proponents of the ban say fireworks are dangerous and disturbing in the densely populated community